Tuesday, January 29, 2008

Finally! A stylish way to keep track of your p's & q's durng this hectic time in your life! From the lovely Whomi. I am a list nazi, and am constantly looking for better ways to keep myself on track. This collection of little notebooks is perfect for anyone with a multi-tasking life! These pads keep to-do's oganized by category and color. Love em!

Monday, January 28, 2008

I ran across one love photo’s blog the other day and had to add her to my favorites, for the purely inspirational daily shots posted by Heather Gilson herself! I think her style is very "no frills" natural and playful, which is what I adore about her. I find that I see way too many photographers who try to achieve that high fashion look in their photos, and that's just not what I enjoy seeing.

I took it upon myself to browse her site and came across a library of wonderful wedding photography. She has some really innovative photos and seems to just capture the personalities of the bride and groom. Check out the site: One Love Photography.

Friday, January 25, 2008

I feel like I haven't posted enough about shoes. Shoes, I love shoes!! What is wrong with me?! Well, here are a couple pairs of fancy shoes from Emmy: custom made wedding shoes. (how fun would this job be!)

The one on the left is a style found in one of her collections, and the one on the right is a personalized, one of a kind design done for a bride.

I love the outside of the shoe, but even more I love the inside. I know that may seem kind of weird, because no one sees that part, your little foot covers it up, but I honor designers who are that detail oriented!

Thursday, January 24, 2008

I’ve known about the sugar paper website for awhile now, but had made it a point to visit their store in Santa Monica this summer. OMG, that’s all I have to say. You can see a lot of their work on their website, but none of their wedding invitations are up there, at least not yet. The stationary, gifts and baby items are enough to prove that their invitations are among the best! I love this letterpress stationary set, personalized with your name! There just isn’t anything that tops the look and quality of letterpress… sigh.

Wednesday, January 23, 2008

I've posted before about Sweet Art and their beautiful cakes, but did you also know how amazing their floral arrangements are as well? I honestly cannot choose which I enjoy more, the flowers or the cake (hmm, well I guess you can't eat the flowers, right?). These are just three of many designs Sweet Art has to offer... Check them out if you haven't already!

Tuesday, January 22, 2008

But seriously... These clever little coffee cups with little matching swatches on the inside rim make it easy to get your favorite cup of coffee or tea every time! I would totally give this as a gift to one of my fellow designers. Found at Generate.

Monday, January 21, 2008

As I was looking for a dainty gift for my bff's birthday, I ran across these delicate love & dream sterling silver necklaces from Dogeared jewels and gifts. They are so pretty, simple and meaningful--wow all that in one tiny little charm! Every piece is handcrafted and includes a pretty gift box. There are many more magical gifts at this online store--take a gander!

Sunday, January 20, 2008

I ran across the conncept at Mixed Market recently, and thought of an innovative idea for brides to be everywhere. The Mixed Market shops have set up an opportuity for the regular consumer to help bring about positive chcanges in the world by doing nothing more than shopping online. Simply click on a link at their shops page, then when you purchase something from that store, a portion of the purchase price will go towards funding a charitable organization.

They've got 19 different shopping categories and a million more stores in each category to choose from. So here's my idea... every bride to be should register with these stores and urge guests to shop through the Mixed Market in order to make a huge difference while also helping out their favorite bride and groom! Think about it...

Friday, January 18, 2008

Okay, okay, I know this is a little off topic, but to be fair, these are too cool not to pass on! These red etch it' up cups are so fun, and useful! I found these at Plum Party, and would totally use them at a casual BBQ or picnic style reception, or just for a fun back yard party! All you do is peel back the white paper to reveal your personal chalk board, and then just use your nail or a key to etch in your name. Easy.

Thursday, January 17, 2008

I just found out about DIY bride through The Bride's Guide and am excited to explore all of the triks hey have up their sleeve! This site has (and I quote) "free access to do-it-yourself projects, resources, and advice to help you create your crafty, one-of-a-kind wedding."

Little bags like this are always on my wish list, simply because they are so useful and can go anywhere! Sometimes I use these little guys as a clutch for the bar (because who really wants to lug a big bag around a squishy bar?), makeup bag, wallet, pencil/pen case, etc! These are from SNAP and range from $16 to $14. Definitely check out the store, it's a great little place to find some great quality bags!

Wednesday, January 16, 2008

I just ran across another amazing cake designer; Sweet Art! These artists work out of Australia and produce some inspiratioinal cakes! Both of these cakes are from Sweet Art, but they don't just specialize in cake... their website boasts a beautiful arrangement of flowers, stationary, acessories, and event planning. What more do you need?!

Tuesday, January 15, 2008

I've always been a huge wine-o, so it's no wonder I'm a fan of this wine theme wedding items. You can do so much with a theme like this, and it truly has little to no limitations! Red wine, white wine, sparkling wine, you choose! Colors are endless, just as the shades of wine are.

Pictured above: the centerpiece and table decor is from the blog of I Do Click Photographywhere they featured Katie & Andy, who were married Searsport with a beautiful wine theme at their reception. The wine cork place card holder is from Plum Party.

Monday, January 14, 2008

Would usually retail at $240 or more in a boutique, is available at HOB for $166. And they will ship the dresses to one address for free. This bridesmaid’s dress is the one I actually chose for my girls to wear (and looked so flattering on everyone), and ordered it from HOB, which was a huge success!

Friday, January 11, 2008

Ceci New York goes over the top with wedding invitations. These are truly designers who will do anything and go anywhere for that perfect look. I've seen so many different themes on their site, and every theme is thought out to the T.

This invitation is from the wedding of Eve & Alphonso: art nouveau meets old hollywood glamour.

Thursday, January 10, 2008

Cake toppers have always been a love hate thing for me. I came very close to not having one at all for my wedding, but changed my mind at the last minute. It just seems that all of our options are so limited and mainstream. So unless you get a fabulous vitage topper passed down to you from Grandma, you will most likely have to settle for some type of mass made porcelin figurine.

Well, let me fill you in on a great find... the paper cake tops from d. sharp! The samples online are so classy and unique, plus they do custom orders! You could really get sentimental here with some recycled love notes or something.

Wednesday, January 9, 2008

I've found a tutorial recently for an inexpensive way to create an icy winter look indoors. These ice covered branches would be a nice way to showcase your venue without the help of florals. Although I haven't personally tried this one (c'mon, I just took down all my holiday decor!), it appers that you cold get your girls together and do this the week before the wedding.

Also keep in mind, if you use branches that have already fallen from their trees (or craft branches), you won't be impacting the environment as much as greenery or flowers would.

Monday, January 7, 2008

In the last couple of years J. Crew has extended their clothing line to wedding attire, which was a genius idea on their part. With the already established style, you can be sure their gowns and dresses will be stylized and chic on every girl.

I enjoy browsing their new collections from time to time and dreaming up a fantasy modern wedding world. The J. Crew dresses fit right in with my modern imaginary bridal party as they dress in black with fun, bright shoes. Wow, kind of like the ones above.

Inspired by this 50 degree Michigan weather I am truly longing for spring. This state is such a tease!! I swear—today it is 50 out and all the snow is melting—and in may, probably on my birthday it will end up snowing. Well, this cake is a tangent piece of my mind today—very springy and innocent. It makes a statement in it’s own little fresh way. The cake pictured is from Cake Power of New York.

Sunday, January 6, 2008

I have always loved a fresh tulip floral arrangement, so it's no surprise I fancy a gorgeous tulip bouquet for a modern wedding. The arrangement on the left is an exanple from FTD, and the one on the right is fromMichael Gonzalez for Verde Flowers, New York.

According to Brides.com the impact of a one-flower one-color arrangement is unbeatable!

Friday, January 4, 2008

I'm loving aquamarine engagement rings right now, especially in this type of antique-looking setting. They're clean, bright (but not as flashy as some of the other popular stones right now), and unique! I found this ring at My Jewelry Source, which carries many more beautiful gemstone pieces.

Gemstones are often overlooked as far as engagement rings go, so you can usually find great deals, and incredible antique pieces almost anywhere you go!

Thursday, January 3, 2008

I always keep an eye out for fun and interesting centerpieces, which always tend to pop up in odd places. This centerpiece was pulled from the Rachel Ray magazine I get, and it just strikes me as a perfect wedding detail. The gel is actually jello! The directions are at her site, here. It's too cool and useful for a non-wedding party too!

If you wanted to put an individual twist on this idea, you could always pour the jello in individual champagne glasses with edible flowers, and create an artsy dessert for guests!

Wednesday, January 2, 2008

I found this diy jewelry kit at papersource and thought... wouldn't these make creative place cards (for an intimate wedding, of course)!

Instead of having guests search for their name spelled out on a tiny card, string their personalized charm on to a fancy ribbon or flower and let them recognize their own picture plus their table mates!

Tuesday, January 1, 2008

Happy {oh eight}! In honor of everyone's hangover, and washing off that crusted on evening makeup, here is a fresh new set of smoky eye makeup!I love this new smokey "v" eye kit (with tutorial) from Bare Escentuals! This would be so much fun to use at a girls night in, or to prep your girls for a big night of reception madness. It's a great way to learn the makeup tricks from a pro, especially if you are doing your own makeup fo the big day. The set includes an eye shadow, glimmer and a double-ended smoky v brush.